April 30, 2010

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Paper Sculptures – Lighting – DIY

I have always been intrigued by the ‘Mac Screen Saver’ with the Paper Sculptures, so I decided to attempt the effect my self in a similar way. It took a while to figure out how to set things up, but I eventually created some interesting lighting angles and paper curls with a simple idea and method! Here is a short overview on how to create the effect and a little post-processing in gimp.

Paper Sheets

1. Setting Things Up!

You’ll need:

Desk-lamp

Notepad

Black-Background (black paper)

Layout:

Open your notepad up and curl the sheets of paper over into the middle

Curl at slight angles and layers of 2 – be creative!

Now direct your lamp through the paper curls, similar to below:

Lamp, Black-Background, Notepad

Layout

2. Camera Settings

I found that a shallow depth of field work really well, especially with the layered paper sheets where they started sharp and in focus then gradually blurred out.

The shutter speed was not quick, but not slow enough to allow any blow outs.

ISO Speed is better low to minimise the amount of noise – if you are finding your photographs are too dark as a result, then increase shutter speed (tripod could be handy here).

Zoom in and fill the frame with all the paper.

White Balance – I went for the warmer tone, however it is very easy to adjust this later in Photoshop or GIMP.

The examples below can give you a better idea:

3. Styles

Curls of Paper

Details:

ISO 160

F4

1/40 secs

22mm

Layered Sheets

Details:

ISO 160

F4

1/40 secs

22mm

Fill the frame

Details:

ISO 160

F4

1/40 secs

22mm

4. Post-Processing

Adjusting the Hue in Photoshop or GIMP is a simple way to experiment with colours.

I used the desaturate mode for a few of them and then increased the levels.

If you are unhappy with the dark shadows, you could try Inverting the image.

I used GIMP to add colour for one image:

I inverted the original image

Created a new layer and filled with Red-ish colour: da150b

Set the layer blend mode to HUE

Layer mode: HUE

Inverted - Colour added

Hue shift:

Simple Hue shift in GIMP

That’s it! If you need any help or have some suggestions, just comment below :) !

Written by Mike

Michael Scott is the publisher and photographer behind Scott Photographics! He is very passionate about his photography and enjoys sharing the best of his experiences for others to enjoy too! Contact Mike via email!